What's New?

Driver Eligibility Requirements for Superloads

Effective October 15, 2014 - in an effort to ensure safety to the travelling public, Motor Carrier Transportation Division has taken immediate action implementing new driver requirements to carriers who move oversize loads that are considered a superload, or any load that is unable to maintain a minimum prescribed travel speed.

Drivers of superloads are subject to the following requirements:

Must have a minimum of three years of experience driving commercial vehicle combinations; one of these years must be driving/hauling oversize loads

Must not have a conviction of more than one moving violation while operating commercial motor vehicles in any state, country or province within the last one year

Must not have more than one preventable, recordable accident involving a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province within the last two years

Must not have a suspension or revocation of driving privileges from operation of a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province during the past three years

Must not have conviction of DUII while operating a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province within the last five years.

SHVs are closely-spaced multi-axle single unit trucks which were introduced by the trucking industry in the last decade. These 4-axle, 5-axle, 6-axle, and 7-axle trucks are heavier, however still comply with Federal Bridge Formula B weights and are considered legal. Examples include dump trucks, construction vehicles, solid waste trucks and other hauling trucks.

This letter was sent to all carriers with vehicles that may be effected by the new federal bridge load rating and posting requirements for Specialized Hauling Vehicles (SHVs).

Who Needs An Oversize Permit?

Truckers will need an over-dimension variance permit whenever their vehicle combination exceeds maximum size and/or weight limits. A permit is needed to haul any single, non-divisible load for which any one of the following conditions apply:

Load greater than 40 feet, exceeding 5 feet beyond the end of the semi-trailer

Load length 40 feet or less, as long as rear overhang does not exceed 1/3 of the wheelbase of the combination, trailer length does not exceed 40 feet, and overall length (including rear overhang) does not exceed 60 feet

Gross combination weight exceeds 80,000 pounds

Any single axle weight exceeds 20,000 pounds

Any tandem axle weight exceeds 34,000 pounds

Gross weight of a group of axles exceeds those set forth in the legal weight table shown on Permit Weight Table 1.

Permits to exceed the legal dimensions above must be obtained prior to movement of the oversize load in Oregon. Please see the Entry Policy for more information. Submit an application for a Single Trip oversize permit online using your Oregon Trucking Online account or call (503) 373-0000 during regular business hours to order a permit over the phone.

The Motor Carrier Transportation Division (MCTD) issues single-trip and annual variance permits for overweight, over-height, over-width, over-length, and other unusual truck loads. The permits include routing plans, road restriction information, pilot vehicle requirements, and other permit conditions. Permit routing covers state and federal highways. They can also cover county roads, with county approval.

MCTD issues nearly 100,000 complex single-trip permits each year and manages the work of private parties that process requests for about 50,000 continuous, annual variance permits each year (see Permit Agents).

The Motor Carrier Division has enlisted five agents to issue Continuous Operation Variance Permits, the annual variance permits that authorize travel on Oregon state highways as well as county roads and Portland streets.

Oregon Trucking Associations

4005 SE Naef Road, Portland OR 97267

Tina Kayser

Phone: 888-293-0005, Ext. 110 • Fax: 503-513-9541

A Work Safe Service

1696 Capitol Street NE, Salem OR 97301

Deb Bliven, Mike Bliven, Matt Bliven, Becky Thompson

Phone: 503-391-9363 • Fax: 503-316-9110

Lane County Transportation Permits

3050 N Delta Hwy, Eugene OR 97408

Laurie Parker

Phone: 541-682-6902 • Fax: 541-682-8500

Marion County Public Works Department

5155 Silverton Road NE, Salem OR 97305

Laura Renner

Phone: 503-584-7710 • Fax: 503-588-5102

Clackamas County Motor Carrier Division

902 Abernethy Road, Oregon City OR 97045

Debi Normand

Truck Permits: 888-387-8259

Phone: 503-650-3248 • Fax: 503-650-3219

Carriers can also purchase Continuous Operation Variance Permits at these two Motor Carrier Transportation Division locations:

The Over-Dimension permits below are only available from the Over-Dimension Permit Unit in Salem. Contact the Over-Dimension permit unit directly by phone at 503-373-0000 or at the Salem office for these permits or with questions about any of the other over-dimension permits available.

Entry Policy

In addition to other requirements for operating in Oregon, such as registration requirements, motor carriers transporting oversize or overweight loads that originate in Oregon must obtain a variance permit and the driver must possess that permit prior to transport. See a handout about Oregon's Entry and Enforcement Policy and the exception for loads entering from the Oregon/Washington border at I-5.

Route Requests are NOT permits, and are intended to provide the motor carrier with information, specifically if a permit could be issued at the dimensions and route requested, and the provisions of the permit.

Route Requests must be submitted in writing.

May take a minimum of 10 business days for processing.

Requests for changes to size or weight require a new request.

May require a traffic control plan.

May require a diagram with axle and load configuration.

Due to road construction or other restrictions, the route, the time frame or the permit conditions may be changed by the Department or Road Authority.

A separate application must be submitted for a permit to move an oversize load.

If Route Request is approved, please provide Route Request log number with permit application. A route request must be submitted by fax to (503) 378-2873 on the following forms:

For each highway in the state, pilot vehicles may be required based on the width of the Motor Carrier’s load. These requirements are outlined for travel on multi-lane highways as well as the two-lane highways shown as Green, Purple and Red route on Route Map 2.

Certified Flaggers:While Oregon does not require that people be certified to become a pilot car operator, the state does require that people be certified to help motor carriers in special flagging operations. In Oregon, there are many locations and situations where motor carriers must use certified flaggers so a truck with an over-width and/or over-height load can safely pass. In a number of specific locations, carriers are instructed to either use certified flaggers to stop traffic or perform a rolling stop using three pilot vehicles to allow them to straddle the center line. Eighteen locations are shown on Route Map 2, the key permit attachment for over-width loads operating under annual permit. Eleven locations are shown on Route Map 3, the key permit attachment for over-height loads operating under annual permit. To perform a rolling stop, pilot vehicles must be certified in the rolling stop method. Rolling stop certification is offered through the Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. Call 503-316-3230 for more information.

For questions and ordering oversize permits please contact the Over-Dimension Permit Unit at 503-373-0000, Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm.

Over-Height Load Requirements

Motor carriers moving loads that exceed 14 feet in height are required to obtain an over-dimension permit. Motor carriers moving over-height loads are subject to special requirements and responsibilities. Chief among what’s expected of them is that they not damage roads and bridges as they go from Point A to Point B. The Oregon DOT Motor Carrier Transportation Division (MCTD) has a process for ensuring that carriers understand their responsibility to protect the highway infrastructure.

Carriers with Single Trip Over-Dimension Permits for loads over 14 feet 6 inches high must meet one of two requirements:

Use a pilot car escort with an over-height pole in front of the high load throughout the trip.

In lieu of meeting the height pole requirement, have a signed declaration form on file with MCTD acknowledging that the carrier is responsible for any injury to persons, damage to property, or damage to any highway or highway structure resulting from an over-height movement under the permit.

The declaration option is only available to motor carriers that have established accounts with MCTD. The declaration form must be signed by the individual owner, a partner, a corporate officer, a partner in a LLP, a manager/member of the LLC, or agent (Power of Attorney must be on file). The form enables a carrier to accept responsibility and liability for injury to persons or damage to property, highways, or highway structures resulting from moves under the permit, whether or not the movement occurs over routes suggested by MCTD. The carrier also accepts responsibility for determining adequate clearance, both vertical and horizontal, for moving oversize loads or vehicles in Oregon.

Carriers with over-height loads carry permit Attachment 75-A when moving mobile homes / modular units or Attachment 82-A when moving other non-divisible loads. Those attachments both already include the following provisions related to carrier and driver responsibility:

Permittee and Driver Responsibility:You are responsible and liable for any and all injury to persons or damage to property and all damage to or destruction of any highway or any highway structure resulting from the oversize or overweight movement. You are responsible for determining adequate clearance, both vertical and horizontal, for movement under this permit. It is the responsibility of the motor carrier to notify the Over-Dimension Permit Unit in the event of striking a structure in the course of a movement within 24 hours of the accident.

Single trip permits will propose a suggested route that must be followed in the sequence shown on the permit. Actual operation under the authority of a single trip permit will establish that the Permittee has verified the adequacy of the suggested route. Therefore, it is required that the Permittee contact the Over-Dimension Permit Unit to request changes deemed necessary to the suggested route prior to actual operation. The Permittee assumes all liability for any damages resulting from operations under the permit.

Continuous trip permits generally are accompanied by route maps displaying routes authorized by the permit. On occasion, some continuous trip permits are route specific and require travel in the sequence suggested on the permit. In those instances it will similarly be required that the Permittee contact the Over-Dimension Permit Unit prior to operation if the suggested route is deemed inadequate. Operation under the permit means the Permittee confirms the suggested route is appropriate and the Permittee assumes all liability for any damages resulting from operations under the permit.

For more information about these requirements, please contact the Over-Dimension Permit Unit in Salem at 503-373-0000. For more information on how to establish an account, please contact the Registration Unit in Salem at 503-378-6699.

Annual Over-Height Permits

Motor carriers can take advantage of an annual over-dimension permit that lets them haul loads over the statutory height limit, 14 feet, on major state highways throughout Oregon. The Continuous Trip Permit allows movement up to a maximum 14 feet 6 inches high on blue routes on Route Map 3. See the back of Route Map 3 for routing instructions at low structures shown on the front of the map. Over-height may not be caused by items loaded in multiples (stacked or overlapped). The permit does not authorize over-height movement on red routes on Route Map 3. Carriers hauling loads on county roads and city streets must still obtain separate permits from the local jurisdictions.

The back of the Route Map 3 includes a list of tunnels, bridges, and locations in the state where carriers operating under an annual over-height permit must either use certified flaggers to stop traffic or perform a rolling stop using three pilot vehicles to allow them to straddle the center line. This is similar to what’s necessary for wide and high loads to safely pass through many locations and situations throughout the state.

The permit is available for mobile homes and modular building units operating under Division 75 rules and non-divisible loads operating under Division 82 rules. It’s not available for divisible loads, such as over-height grass seed straw loads.

Table 3 - Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required Annual, continuous operation permits based on Table 3 allow up to 98,000 pounds for non-divisible loads. Maximum weight for single-trip permits is based on the number of axles and wheelbase. Other maximums: 600 pounds per inch of tire width, 21,500 pounds per single axle, 43,000 pounds per tandem axle, the weight shown on the over-dimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Common vehicle types: truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailer, truck-tractor-semitrailer and booster.

Table 4 - Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required Maximum weight for Table 4 permits is based on the number of axles and wheelbase. Table 4 allows for more weight using a shorter wheelbase than that authorized by Table 3. Other maximums: 600 pounds per inch of tire width, 21,500 pounds per single axle, 43,000 pounds per tandem axle, the weight shown on the over-dimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Common vehicle types: self-propelled crane, truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailer, truck-tractor with jeep and semitrailer, truck-tractor with semitrailer and booster.

Table 5 - Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required Weight Table 5 is for certain specific vehicle configurations only. It provides for up to 48,000 pounds per tandem axle if the combination of vehicles has at least 9 axle, with a steer axle followed by four consecutive tandem axles which are 8 foot wide (standard). Ten percent more weight may be allowed when the combination has 10 foot wide axles with 4 tires per axle. Instead of 48,000 pounds per tandem, this allows up to 52,800 pounds. Or additional weight, 25% more, may be allowed when the combination has 10 foot wide axles with 8 tires per axle. Instead of 48,000 pounds per tandem, this allows up to 60,000 pounds.

Use of Weight Table 5 and its formulas for increased weights is more complex than the other tables and requires special analysis by the Over-Dimension Permit Unit. Subject to special routing and analysis, single-trip permits may be issued for combinations of vehicles having minimum equipment consisting of a steering axle followed by four or more consecutive tandem axles, provided the weight does not exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width, 24,000 pounds per single axle, 48,000 pounds per tandem axle, the weight shown on the permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Also, in special circumstances ODOT's Bridge Unit may authorize additional weight for moving a large, non-reducible load. Common vehicle type: truck-tractor with jeep, semitrailer, and booster.

Road Use Assessment Fees

Road use assessment fees apply to non-divisible loads with gross weights over 98,000 pounds traveling in Oregon under Single-Trip Permits. Anytime a single non-divisible load is being hauled, and the gross weight exceeds 98,000 pounds, a single trip must be purchased and road use assessment fees paid. The fee takes the place of the weight-mile tax for the loaded portion of the haul. The fee is 5.7 cents per equivalent single-axle load (ESAL) mile traveled. These fees are expressed in terms of permit gross weight and number of axles. As with the Table B weight-mile tax rates, carriers are assessed a lower per-mile charge the greater the number of axles used at any given gross weight.

State Route Maps and Attachments

The Oregon route maps accessible here are for reference only. Truckers who need safe routing instructions for over-dimension movements must contact the Motor Carrier Transportation Division in Salem at 503-373-0000. For up-to-the-minute information about road and bridge restrictions, as well as accidents and road closures, visit the TripCheck Web site.

Identifies Group 1, 2 & 3 highways and indicates Legal Length limits for various Legal Size vehicles and combinations hauling Legal Size Loads. No permit required. May also be used to determine pilots for over width on Group 2 & Group 3 Highways per charts on attachments 70A, 75A, or 82A (By permit).

Displays Length Requirements for Truck-tractor/Semitrailers and Doubles. No permit required unless exceeding displayed limitations. Truck-tractor semitrailers and doubles combinations do not need an over-length variance permit for travel on the Black, Purple, and Blue routes in Oregon. Length limitations are still in effect, but a permit is not required if length is the only variance.

Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required -- Annual, continuous operation permits based on Table 3 allow up to 98,000 lbs. for non-divisible loads. Maximum weight for single-trip permits is based on the number of axles and wheelbase. Other maximums: 600 lbs. per inch of tire width, 21,500 lbs. per single axle, 43,000 lbs. per tandem axle, the weight shown on the over-dimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Common vehicle types: truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailer, truck-tractor-semitrailer and booster.

Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required -- Maximum weight for Table 4 permits is based on the number of axles and wheelbase. Table 4 allows for more weight using a shorter wheelbase than that authorized by Table 3. Other maximums: 600 lbs. per inch of tire width, 21,500 lbs. per single axle, 43,000 lbs. per tandem axle, the weight shown on the over-dimension permit and the sum of the permittable axle, tandem axle, or group axle weight, whichever is less. Common vehicle types: self-propelled crane, truck-tractor-lowbed semitrailer, truck-tractor with jeep & semitrailer, truck-tractor with semitrailer & booster.

Heavy Haul Weight - Permit Required -- Weight Table 5 is for certain specific vehicle configurations only. It provides for up to 48,000 lbs. per tandem axle if the combination of vehicles has at least 9 axle, with a steer axle followed by four consecutive tandem axles which are 8' wide (standard). Ten percent more weight may be allowed when the combination has 10' wide axles with 4 tires per axle. Instead of 48,000 lbs. per tandem, this allows up to 52,800 lbs. Or additional weight -- 25% more -- may be allowed when the combination has 10' wide axles with 8 tires per axle. Instead of 48,000 lbs. per tandem, this allows up to 60,000 lbs.

Travel Restrictions

Holiday Travel Restriction Schedule - 2015 and New Years 2016

Oregon prohibits the movement of oversize loads during six holiday periods of the year. Restrictions affect the travel of Triple Trailer Combinations, Mobile/Modular Homes, Towed Units, Long Logs, Poles, and Piling, and Non-Divisible Over-Width Loads. Following is a list of the observed holiday days and the times during which these truck operations are restricted. This information is also available in a one-page summary: Holiday Restrictions.

Restrictions vary based on the type of combination of vehicles. The restrictions and exceptions are broken down into the following five categories:

In addition to holiday travel restrictions, there are also other travel restrictions throughout the rest of the year for over-dimension loads:

Nighttime travel restrictions

Weekend travel restrictions

City hour travel restrictions

These are described on the permit and/or permit attachments.

Restrictions vary based on the type of combination of vehicles. Following are some examples. Note: This list is not all-inclusive. Refer to the permit and/or attachment for specific details regarding travel restrictions.

Triple trailer combinations are not allowed to travel on the weekends on routes shown in green on Route Map 5 from 5 PM Friday until 10 PM Sunday:Route Map 5Permit Attachment 74A

Long Logs, Poles, and Piling operations are not allowed to travel at night except on interstate highways. In addition, loads over 105 feet overall length are not allowed to travel during daylight hours on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays during the summertime between Memorial Day and Labor Day: Permit Attachment 17Permit Attachment 70A

Overwidth Loads (including mobile/modular homes & other non-divisible loads) have nighttime travel restrictions, city hour travel restrictions, and daylight travel restrictions on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays during the summertime between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

These travel restrictions are described on Permit Attachment H, and apply to all overwidth moves authorized by either an annual or single trip permit that also requires Attachments 70A, 75A, or 82A. There are some exceptions to these travel restrictions, refer to Permit Attachment H for specific details.

The Motor Carrier Transportation Division regularly sends letters to all holders of annual over-dimension permits notifying them of upcoming road and bridge restrictions that may affect their trucking operations.

In addition, you can sign up to receive these restriction letters electronically through Gov Delivery. This is a free service, eliminating unnecessary paper documents. You choose the information you are interested in receiving, and it will come right to your electronic mailbox. In addition to the restriction letters, ODOT offers subscribers more than 50 specialized email alerts for information like trucking advisories, Oregon Motor Carrier Newsletter, Motor Carrier rulemaking, Motor Carrier Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Notices/Minutes.

Motor carriers need to provide this information to their drivers, by copy of each letter or some other means, to ensure they're aware of the restrictions.

Below are the most recent restriction letters. Note that road restriction dates may change or be extended due to weather or other unforeseen delays.

Mobility and District Guidelines

Mobility is important to ODOT, the trucking industry, and the traveling public. Mobility can be defined as the ease with which people and goods move throughout their community, state, and the world. Transportation’s most essential function is to provide safe mobility for people and goods.

There are several key elements required to achieve and maintain mobility in a general sense for both freight and passenger cars. These key elements include critical route pairs, effective communication, vertical clearance restrictions, horizontal clearance restrictions, weight restrictions, diversions, detours, staging, permitting, and other issues.

The Mobility Procedures Manual helps identify the importance of these key elements and describes a set of standards and processes that help ensure that ODOT complies with the mobility provisions of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rules, upholds its commitments with the freight industry, and meets the Agency’s goals for traffic mobility and safety. It is best thought of as a working tool for ODOT planning, project development, construction, maintenance, and MCTD staff.

Restrictions During Inclement Weather

Motor Carriers moving oversize loads are subject to travel restrictions when road conditions are hazardous due to ice, snow, frost, when visibility is reduced to less than 500 feet, or when wind conditions exist that make it difficult for vehicles to safely move.

It is the driver's responsibility to determine if local road conditions are hazardous, unless the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has closed or posted signs on the highway displaying restrictions due to weather/road conditions in the area. If ODOT has not closed a highway or posted a sign warning of adverse conditions and the driver chooses to travel they are subject to enforcement action if the road conditions are determined to be hazardous. In most cases, it's up to the State Police and local law enforcement to address on-highway situations. In addition, the responsible Motor Carrier is subject to civil monetary complaint on a first offense; and in the instance of repeated violations, is subject to additional sanctions including cancellation of permit and/or denial of future permit requests.

The Motor Carrier Transportation Division (MCTD) may issue over-dimension permits during inclement weather; however authorized travel is contingent upon weather and road conditions at time of actual movement. MCTD's policy regarding the issuance of over-dimension permits and travel by permitted trucks during periods of inclement weather is described in a one-page document which was published in the March 2011 edition of the quarterly Motor Carrier Newsletter: Captain of Ship

For Oregon Road and Weather advisories, drivers may call 1-800-977-6368 in state, and 1-503-588-2941 from out of state, or go to www.tripcheck.com

Please be aware that chain up locations are not intended to serve as staging areas for over-dimension loads. Parking in chain-up areas is strictly prohibited. In order to avoid being caught unaware of existing or approaching weather conditions, ALWAYS check for available highway and weather information before beginning a trip.

Carriers found to be operating in weather conditions that are deemed hazardous may receive a Civil Complaint and/or Monetary Penalties.

Note: These rules include those filed as recently as one or two months ago. Check the Oregon Bulletin for the most recent rulemakings by clicking on the OAR Revision Cumulative Index link at the bottom of each page.

Non-compliance with oversize permit provisions or traffic control plans

Operating a vehicle or combination of vehicles in excess of limits on length restricted highways

Operating without required pilot vehicles

Operating without over-size or over-length signs

Operating without proper vehicle and load lights

Crossing a weight restricted bridge

Besides citations that may be issued at a weigh station or at the roadside, motor carriers found in violation of regulations can be subject to enforcement action by ODOT´s Motor Carrier Division. Enforcement may involve a notice to cease and desist or a formal action leading to the assessment of monetary penalties. Formal actions may also result in the suspension or cancellation of operating authority.

In formal civil monetary penalty actions, the carrier involved is served a Notice of Proposed Penalty Order. The Notice cites the statutes or rules the carrier allegedly violated, proposed penalties, and possible settlement options. Settlement options include: (1) admitting the violations and demonstrating to staff that remedial action was taken, which may contribute to penalty reduction, (2) settling the disputed issues with staff, or (3) denying some or all of the allegations and requesting a hearing to resolve the matter. Hearings are conducted through the Employment Department, Office of Administrative Hearings, Oregon Department of Transportation Section. Hearings give the carrier and Motor Carrier Division staff a chance to present evidence before an administrative law judge. The results of all cases are then detailed in a Final Order sent to the parties involved.

Anyone can make a complaint about a commercial vehicle, the Motor Carrier Transportation Division maintains a Truck Safety Hotline to take reports from motorists who see some kind of truck safety problem while traveling in Oregon.